Host Peter McCully chats with Andrea Silver, a pharmacist and member of the board of the College of Pharmacists about the groundbreaking initiatives taken by British Columbia to provide free access to contraceptives, with more than 60 types being made available.

The first segment of the podcast focuses on Silver's insights into the free contraceptive program, discussing its reception, implementation and the notable increase in individuals benefiting from free contraceptives. The statistics reveal that almost 300,000 people have availed themselves of these services since the program's initiation, showcasing a significant positive response.

Silver emphasizes the program's impact on contraceptive choices.

The discussion extends to the broader societal implications, linking unintended pregnancies to health and economic challenges, making the case for providing families with the best possible start.

In the second segment, McCully talks with Black Press Media journalist Lauren Collins who had the opportunity to interview Health Minister Adrian Dix about the program and benefits.

“There are longer-term benefits, and this will take longer to assess. It’s impact, for example, on unwanted pregnancies and other issues, that will take longer to assess, obviously, than the period that it's been in place so far. But it's our belief, and certainly the belief of those that study this issue that there will be other benefits beyond that,” said Dix. “Across the board, I think it's been launched successfully, it's worked for women, it's saved money and it's better health care. I think that it's going to be followed in other jurisdictions as well”.

Dix emphasizes the financial relief for younger women, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of healthcare and financial considerations.

You will find ‘Today in B.C.’ podcasts on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart and Google podcasts.

If you have suggestions or comments, send a voice message to podcast@blackpress.ca you may be part of our audio podcast mailbag segment.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Peter McCully chats with Caitlin Vanderhaeghe of Vancouver, the president, CEO, and co-founder of KidStar Nutrients.

Vanderhaeghe discusses her experience on ‘Dragons’ Den’, where she secured a partnership with Arlene Dickinson and Wes Hall.

Vanderhaeghe shares her journey into the health and wellness industry, the conversation dives into the inspiration behind starting KidStar Nutrients, focusing on the importance of quality products for children's health and the significance of iron deficiency, and how Caitlin's personal experience inspired the creation of a unique iron supplement.

“I was really dissatisfied with what I found on the market,” said Vanderhaege. “And then my second daughter ended up being iron deficient. And so I went on a hunt to find her a product and in the process I realized that I had to just make one. We actually made the iron products for her specifically. Iron is the number one nutrient deficiency in the world, and also here in Canada, and it's very much lacking from our diet today."

The KidStar founder reflects on the challenges of launching a business during the pandemic and the subsequent shipping issues.

"We launched in January of 2020, unknowing of what was coming. So, it was a huge hurdle to be honest."

The podcast delves into Vanderhaeghe’s entrepreneurial spirit, shaped by her childhood experiences of selling flowers and having a paper route.

Vanderhaeghe reflects on her experience on the TV show, the nerve-racking moments on stage, and the subsequent positive impact on Kidstar Nutrients' business.

If you have suggestions or comments, send a voice message to podcast@blackpress.ca you may be part of our audio podcast mailbag segment.

You will find ‘Today in B.C.’ podcasts on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, YouTube and Google podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Peter McCully chats with Perry Bulwer of Port Alberni on Vancouver Island.

Bulwer has written a book entitled Misguided: My Jesus Freak Life in a Doomsday Cult, taking the podcast listener on a journey through his tumultuous experience with the Children of God cult.

Starting with his initial encounter at a Chinese restaurant in Port Alberni, Perry recounts the allure that drew him into the depths of the cult.

"They saw something in me, something receptive,” said Bulwer. "The dogma and the teachings I learned in the Catholic Church weren't that much different from what they were preaching and they were taking advantage of that."

Bulwer explains the origins of the cult, tracing its roots back to California in 1968 and the charismatic leader David Berg, the cult's radical preaching, its migration to Canada, and the controversies surrounding its practices add layers to the story.

The podcast reflects on the emotional toll of living in a cult, as the author describes the internal conflicts and doubts that eventually led him to leave.

Upon returning to Canada, he faced the daunting task of rebuilding his life, marked by educational pursuits and personal rediscovery. The episode captures the resilience required for post-cult recovery, offering a glimpse into Perry's transformative journey.

Bulwer has been an advocate for cult survivors since 2004.

“There's a lot of psychological damage to that generation who were born in the group,” he said. “Once I turned my mind to it and understood what had happened to them, I had to speak up. I started doing that in 2004 and basically have continued to this day to be an advocate in that sense.”

If you have suggestions or comments, send a voice message to podcast@blackpress.ca you may be part of our audio podcast mailbag segment.

You will find ‘Today in B.C.’ podcasts on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, YouTube and Google podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.